RACESTAR
(Woodbridge, NJ/77WABC)-Police say a 42-year-old attendant at the Racestar Gas Station on Port Reading Avenue in Port Reading was stabbed in his neck with a knife as he confronted an alleged shoplifter late Tuesday afternoon. The attendant, whose name has not been released, is reported in stable but serious condition following surgery at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, after being taken there by EMS.
Police say the station attendant attempted to stop an alleged shoplifter at the station’s convenience store at approximately 5:25 Tuesday afternoon. The confrontation escalated with the attendant being stabbed in his neck. The suspect fled the scene but police the individual was located a short time later with the assistance of the Carteret Police Department.
The stabbing suspect is identified as 23-year-old Harlin Rodriguez. He is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and robbery.
An investigation continues.
